EQUIPMENT used to make something positive come out of youth offending is now even easier to transport, thanks to the police's new community punishment trailer.

Funded by the Government's Youth Issues Tasking Group, the trailer will carry tools such as lawn mowers and construction materials from place to place as they are needed by young offenders taking part in community service projects in Halton.

Organisers say the trailer is crucial to the success of the scheme, which gives offenders a way of putting something good back into their community, as well as teaching them valuable skills.

Grant Ardern, community safety and race relations inspector, launched the initiative on behalf of the Disorder Part-nership at Regent Road, Widnes.

He said: 'Community service work strives to teach young people new skills which they can then develop in a positive way.

'The aim is for young offenders to learn something from the experience and help put something back into the local community.'

One of the projects which has already benefited from the new service is the successful alleygating scheme, which is currently working in Widnes.

And the trailer can be used in other aspects of the scheme's work, transporting other things from place to place.

Sheila MacGregor, placement manager with the Community Punishment Team, said: 'Without the donation of this trailer, the Community Punishment Team would not be able to work in the community, helping such good causes as Justice and Peace, a charitable organisation which donates furniture to those members of our community most in need.'